Stuffed Cabbage Rolls With Ground Beef and Rice

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef and Rice

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a classic comfort food found in many cultures, from Eastern European to Mediterranean cuisine. These delicious rolls are made by stuffing tender cabbage leaves with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, and seasonings, then simmering them in a rich tomato sauce. This recipe is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients:

For the Cabbage Rolls:

• 1 large head of green cabbage
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Carefully remove the core of the cabbage using a sharp knife.
3. Submerge the cabbage head in boiling water for about 2–3 minutes or until the outer leaves soften and become pliable.
4. Remove the cabbage from the water and peel off the softened leaves. Repeat as needed until you have about 12–14 leaves.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, parsley, and beaten egg until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

1. Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface and add 2–3 tablespoons of the beef mixture to the center.
2. Fold in the sides and roll the leaf tightly, securing the filling inside.
3. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.

Step 4: Make the Tomato Sauce

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
3. Pour in crushed tomatoes, broth, salt, pepper, oregano, and sugar (if using). Let the sauce simmer for about 5–10 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

1. Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the pot with the tomato sauce.
2. Spoon some sauce over the rolls to coat them.
3. Cover the pot and let the rolls simmer on low heat for 45–60 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
• Pair with mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

• Use leftover rice to save time.
• Freeze leftovers for an easy meal later.
• If the cabbage leaves are too stiff, steam them or microwave for a few minutes.